Powerful Piece of Colts' Offense Has Bleak Status for Seahawks Clash

The Indianapolis Colts may be down a key protector against the Seattle Seahawks.

Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) blocks Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe (92) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In what's been a wild week filled with quarterback drama, the Indianapolis Colts must set their sights on a crucial Week 15 road matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.

The Colts are fighting for their playoff lives after losing three games in a row following a Week 11 bye. Two of those losses came against divisional opponents, including a blowout defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars that saw starting quarterback Daniel Jones tear his right Achilles tendon.

Aside from Jones' season-ending injury and Charvarius Ward's third concussion of the year, the Colts are still dealing with a laundry list of injuries.

Colts' Thursday Injury Report

• CB Sauce Gardner (Calf) - DNP
• WR Anthony Gould (Foot) - DNP
• RT Braden Smith (Concussion, Neck) - DNP
• DT Grover Stewart (Rest) - DNP
• DE Tyquan Lewis (Ankle) - LP
• DT DeForest Buckner (Neck) - LP
• WR Josh Downs (Ankle) - FULL
• LB Zaire Franklin (Knee) - FULL
• CB Jaylon Jones (Back) - FULL
• QB Riley Leonard (Knee) - FULL
• WR Alec Pierce (Rib) - FULL

thursday’s practice report for #INDvsSEA. pic.twitter.com/24tUZGKPGq

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 11, 2025

Gardner missed his fifth consecutive practice as he continues to nurse a calf strain he suffered in the first quarter against the Houston Texans in Week 13. Gardner will not be placed on injured reserve and is expected to return this season, according to Colts head coach Shane Steichen.

Gould, the team's punt and kick returner, missed a second straight practice. If he can't go, Downs may fill his shoes on special teams.

Smith exited last week's loss early due to a concussion and will likely be out for this week's action. The Colts could either slide Matt Goncalves over to right tackle or start the rookie Jalen Travis.

After not practicing on Wednesday, Lewis was upgraded to a limited participant on Thursday. He was a limited participant last Thursday, too, but he was still sidelined for the game.

Oct 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis (94) brings down Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

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Buckner had his 21-day practice window opened yesterday, but his status for Sunday is unclear. Buckner is dealing with a herniated disc that's pressing down on a nerve.

Downs and Pierce were full participants once again despite their injuries. With Philip Rivers likely to start, the Colts will hope to have two of their best playmakers out there.

Leonard suffered a PCL sprain while filling in for Jones, but with Rivers in the mix, he might not get the start even if he's healthy.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) delivers a pass Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, during practice at the Colts training facility in Indianapolis. | Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Seahawks haven't released their Thursday injury report, but there are a few names to keep an eye on.

Tight ends Elijah Arroyo and AJ Barner are both dealing with injuries, with Arroyo sitting out Wednesday's practice and Barner being a full participant.

Starting center Jalen Sundell had his practice window opened to return from IR, and he was a limited participant on Wednesday due to a knee injury.

Safeties Julian Love and Ty Okada were both limited on Wednesday. With AJ Finley on IR, the Seahawks' depth at safety would be very weak if Love and Okada can't suit up.